The upcoming auction of design masterpieces which Christie’s will be holding in London, there is one lot which stands out. A sculptural, outstanding catilever desk in brushed stainless steel, designed by Ben Swildens in 1966 for three receptionists at the Max Ingrand’s interior for the Paris showroom of the French automotive giant Peugeot. The desk, one of an edition of three is the rarest of the rare, an object of desire by design collectors, which, in its design and material, captures the principles of Space-Age design, flourished in France in the 1960s. Influenced by themes of atomic science, it is one of the most important pieces by Swildens. Dutch designer Swildens (B. 1938), a graduate from the Ecole Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, had collaborated with Ingrand from 1962 to 1969 on various projects, but none has become as iconic and as memorable as their interiors for Peugeot. It was a minimalist space that came to provide a chic and sophisticated backdrop and to highlight the cars. In recent years, this desk has been reproduced by French furniture company Furdess in a limited edition of 8.
BEN SWILDENS (B. 1938) A Rare Cantilever Desk and Seat. Estimate GBP 70,000 – GBP 100,000 (USD 89,530 – USD 127,900)
